New Zealands statsminister Jacinda Ardern, hennes 25 statsråder og 34 departementssjefer går ned 20 prosent i lønn de neste seks månedene i solidaritet med folk som sliter under koronakrisen.
Statsministeren gir med det avkall på ca. 45.000 newzealandske dollar, skriver New Zealand Herald. Beløpet svarer til ca. 280.000 norske kroner.
Ardern said it was about showing leadership and thanked the department heads for voluntarily accepting the salary sacrifice.
«I feel acutely the struggle many New Zealanders are facing and so too do the people I work with.
«While this cut in itself won’t shift the Government’s overall fiscal position, it is an acknowledgement that every person and organisation has a part to play as we unite to stamp out Covid-19 and save lives.»
Statsministeren kunngjorde selv lønnskuttet:
The Guardian siterer statsministeren:
“If there was ever a time to close the gap between groups of people across New Zealand in different positions, it is now. I am responsible for the executive branch and this is where we can take action … it is about showing solidarity in New Zealand’s time of need.”
Offentlig ansatte som strever hardt i førstelinjen på grunn av pandemien, skal selvsagt ikke ha noe mindre lønn, presiserer Ardern.